The Bear’s Den, December 23, 2025

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THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

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The Bear’s Den: December 22, 2025

Patrick Finley: Caleb Williams has officially arrived in the Bears-Packers rivalry

The rookie quarterback shook off a slow start to deliver a signature performance, leading three consecutive scoring drives in the final minutes. Williams’ poise in the face

of a double-digit deficit suggests the tide may finally be turning in the NFL’s oldest rivalry.

Defense holds firm: Bears allow zero touchdowns on five Packers red-zone trips

In a statistical anomaly, the Chicago defense held Green Bay to zero touchdowns despite five drives reaching the red zone. The Packers’ opportunities resulted in three field goals, a fumble, and a turnover on downs, keeping Chicago within striking distance.

Cairo Santos navigates Soldier Field winds for crucial field goals

The veteran kicker converted field goals of 43, 46, and 51 yards in swirling winter conditions. His accuracy proved vital in a game where the margin for error was razor-thin, eventually allowing the team to force the extra period.

Tremaine Edmunds makes immediate impact in return from injured reserve

Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds was activated prior to kickoff and finished the night with 10 tackles. His recovery of a third-quarter fumble proved to be one of the many turning points in the defensive effort.

Iceman, Superman, Him: Caleb Williams delivers more late-game heroics

Nearly 10 minutes after quarterback Caleb Williams delivered a perfect 46-yard touchdown pass to receiver DJ Moore, putting a bow on the Bears’ most dramatic comeback win of the season, he had yet to leave the field. Williams ran a lap around the entirety of Soldier Field to thank the fans who braved a frigid Chicago evening.

Playoff bound! Bears clinch 2025 postseason berth

Less than 24 hours after their epic comeback overtime win over the Packers, the Bears on Sunday clinched a playoff berth when the Lions lost to the Steelers. The Bears improved their record to 11-4 and extended their division lead to a game-and-a-half.

By the Numbers: Bears’ OT win over Packers

The Bears scored 16 points in the final 1:59 of regulation and overtime to turn a 16-6 deficit into a 22-16 victory. The defense has now generated a takeaway in eight consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL.

Bears stun Packers 22-16 with improbable rally

Caleb Williams threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore in overtime, and Chicago overcame a 10-point deficit late in the fourth quarter. The Packers lost quarterback Jordan Love to a concussion during the second quarter.

Cairo Santos, Josh Blackwell lead Bears’ fourth-quarter special teams masterclass

Cairo Santos converted field goals of 43, 46, and 51 yards despite the blustering winter wind. Josh Blackwell recovered a critical onside kick with 1:59 remaining to give the offense a chance to tie.

Caleb Williams matches Bo Nix for comeback record

With eight career fourth-quarter comebacks, Williams tied an NFL record for quarterbacks in their first two seasons. He finished the game 19 of 34 for 250 yards and two touchdowns.

Ben Johnson locker room speech after OT win over Packers

Head coach Ben Johnson addressed the team following the emotional victory, highlighting the resilience shown during the final minutes of regulation.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Bears vs. Packers: Overtime win analysis

Chicago took the lead in the NFC North with an overtime win over the Packers. The Bears trailed 16-6 late in the fourth quarter before rallying for 10 points in the final two minutes of regulation. Caleb Williams threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore in overtime to secure the 22-16 victory.

Caleb Williams proves he is the franchise QB

Williams completed 24 of 38 passes for 312 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He led the Bears on three consecutive scoring drives to end the game, totaling 185 yards of offense in the fourth quarter and overtime combined.

Bears defense holds firm in the red zone

The Chicago defense limited Green Bay to zero touchdowns on five trips inside the 20-yard line. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, in his first game back from injured reserve, recorded 10 tackles and recovered a pivotal fumble in the third quarter.

Special Teams: Cairo Santos and the onside kick

Cairo Santos converted field goals of 43, 46, and 51 yards in swirling winds. Following his 46-yarder with 1:59 remaining, the Bears successfully recovered an onside kick, which led to the game-tying touchdown by Cole Kmet.

NFC Playoff Picture: Bears clinch postseason berth

With the win over Green Bay, the Bears have officially clinched a spot in the NFC playoffs. At 11-4, Chicago now leads the NFC North by 1.5 games and currently holds the No. 2 seed in the conference.

Injury Update: Monitoring Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen

Both Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen were inactive for the Week 16 game. Head coach Matt Eberflus stated that both receivers are “day-to-day” as the team prepares for a Week 17 matchup against the Detroit Lions.

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